Volunteers Build New Coatesville Playground in 6 Hours

Crayon drawings depicting a child’s dream playground came to life in full color — and a mere six hours — on Friday as more than 200 corporate and community volunteers converged on Patton Park in Coatesville to build its swings, slides, climbing equipment and more.

Volunteers came from PECO, the Natural Lands Trust and the City of Coatesville, along with organizers from KaBOOM! and community members.

“Children are our future, and they need a place to play every day to develop and be active and healthy,” PECO President and CEO Craig Adams said. “I very am proud of our employee volunteers and the community partnerships displayed today that have been critical in bringing this play space to fruition.”

“It’s been well established that children who play outdoors, whether in a natural setting or at a local playground, experience significant benefits in mental and physical health,” Natural Lands Trust President Molly Morrison added.

“We are delighted to be working with our partners at PECO and the city to create new opportunities for outdoor play and to advance the broader vision for a thriving park system in Coatesville.”

KaBOOM! and PECO have teamed up four times before, but this is the first new playground built in Chester County.

“This park and playground will be a wonderful place for families and visitors to enjoy for many years to come,” Coatesville City Manager Michael Trio said.

More pictures of last Friday’s Coatesville community playground build event here on SmugMug courtesy of Mae Axelrod of Natural Lands Trust.